Miguel Sano was back in the lineup Tuesday, though as the designated hitter. The second-year slugger, his strikeouts climbing to historic levels and his defense at third base resulting in 11 July errors, was benched three times in the past six days, for a variety of reasons, Molitor said.
Part of it is trying to ease the pressure he feels to succeed at third. Part of it, Molitor said, is that he is trying to evaluate other players, presumably like Jorge Polanco, who has played the position the past two days.
"I'm trying not to put people over other people just because of name and reputation. We have people I'm trying got get a good look at here, especially as we get into the last two months," Molitor said. "You've got to keep these guys hungry and not get comfortable, and he's not the only one we're going to have to do that way."
The Twins remain uneasy about Sano's inconsistent approach, too. Molitor praised Sano's work ethic at third, but a Twins source also noted Sano skipped early batting practice Monday, amid a 2-for-18, 11-strikeout skid.
"I would like to play him as much as I can, but there are days when it makes sense for me to have him sit back and watch the game," Molitor said. "Sometimes that can be good."
Asked whether Sano might be a candidate for a demotion to the minor leagues, Molitor said, "I haven't thought about that as an option for now."
